Amalfi Coast Road Trip: A Dreamy Italian Escape
After soaking up the magic of Rome and Milan, we decided to embark on a spectacular road trip to the #Amalficoast and #Positano. Oh, the Italian summer! There's nothing quite like the freedom of youth, cruising along coastal roads, exploring faraway Europe, a world away from home.
I still find it hard to believe how incredibly amazing this trip turned out to be. While many people review their travels immediately to capture that fresh feeling, for me, even after all this time, the memories of this journey still fill me with pure joy.
Navigating the Italian Roads: A Vehicle Adventure
Upon arriving at Napoli Centrale Station, my husband went straight to pick up our rental car. We found this to be more reliable than booking online. The office opened at 8 AM, and he selected a spacious 7-seater vehicle, perfect for our group of three with plenty of luggage. While many opt for ferries, we envisioned the hassle of lugging suitcases on and off boats and then finding buses to our hotel. The allure of the scenic #Amalficoast roads made this adventurous choice irresistible!
At 9 AM, we set off, navigating with Google Maps. We were a bit nervous about wrong turns or speeding, but ironically, sticking to the speed limit often led to Italian drivers honking and overtaking us!
Sunkissed Shores and Coastal Charms
The winding mountain roads took some time, but the moment the breathtaking coastline unfolded before us, we were utterly captivated! The vast, azure Mediterranean Sea stretched out endlessly, a truly mesmerizing sight. Our first stop was #Sorento. We found a charming seaside restaurant for lunch, where the views were already spectacular. We then explored the quaint town, indulging in deliciously cheap cherries before continuing our drive to Amalfi. 🍒
We arrived in Amalfi around 2 PM and, feeling utterly exhausted, headed straight to the beach for a well-deserved nap. After about 30 minutes, we were ready for a refreshing dip in the sea. The beaches here are known for their unique black pebbles, a local specialty. The water was wonderfully cool, around 20 degrees Celsius, offering a perfect escape from the 40-degree heat. The sunbeds were reasonably priced, making the experience even better.
A moment of panic struck when my husband realized he'd left his wallet in a public restroom. As we drove out of the parking lot, his discovery led to a frantic stop right at the exit, causing quite a commotion with honking horns and annoyed drivers. Thankfully, a father and son duo were waiting by the restroom and returned the wallet, a truly heartwarming instance of kindness!
Maiori's Tranquility and Positano's Splendor
Our next destination was #Maiori. Having booked our trip only a month in advance, we couldn't secure a hotel in Positano, as it was peak season in mid-July and completely booked out. We arrived in Maiori around 5 PM, checked into our hotel, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset followed by dinner. While less bustling than Amalfi, Maiori offered a serene and picturesque setting.
The highlight of our second day was the boat trip to Positano! 😆😆😆 Those 40 minutes on the water were filled with anticipation, and the moment we laid eyes on the iconic hillside dotted with colorful houses cascading down to the beach, I was overwhelmed with emotion, nearly moved to tears! :))
We spent our time basking in the sun on Positano's beach, part of the stunning Amalfi Coast – arguably Italy's most beautiful coastline. We marveled at this natural wonder, finding picture-perfect spots around every corner. For lunch, we chose a restaurant situated right on the water, but on the second floor, which helped us avoid the crowds. The food was quite enjoyable.
Watching the sunset with my loved one, being welcomed by friendly strangers, and savoring world-renowned flavors in their birthplace – these were moments of pure bliss. The feeling of having truly achieved something special, of being in a real-life paradise that felt like a dream, still lingers. It was a testament to our growth and the belief that together, we can accomplish anything.
Evening Delights and Culinary Perfection
In the afternoon, we discovered Franco's Bar, which opened at 5 PM. We joined the queue at 4 PM to secure a spot and enjoy a glass of wine with an exceptional sea view. 🩷
After enjoying wine on the eastern side of the mountain, we tackled an exhilarating 1500 steps to the west, slightly tipsy and sun-kissed! 🤣🤣🤣 Our goal was to reach II Capitano ristorante in time for the sunset, with a view so incredible it felt like our hearts might leap out! The breathtaking scenery left us breathless and utterly amazed! 😆😆😆
Before we could fully recover, we were swept away by the divine flavors of the sea. Every dish was a masterpiece. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the pasta with colossal meatballs was the most delicious I've ever tasted! The "Everything is lemon" theme was evident everywhere – lemon sauces, lemon-infused dishes, and refreshing lemonades. 🍋 The cherry tomatoes were unbelievably sweet, and the Tiramisu ice cream was an absolute revelation – the best ice cream I've ever had in my life! 💋
The evenings here were even more magical, illuminated by twinkling lights and the radiant moonlight reflecting on the shimmering sea. We lingered until late, reluctant to leave this enchanting atmosphere.
Fiordo Di Furore and Pizza Perfection
On the morning of our third day, we enjoyed breakfast by the beach before our hotel and then checked out. Our next stop was Fiordo Di Furore, a stunning cove nestled beneath a cliffside bridge. Here, we relaxed on the free beach, jumped from the cliffs into the water, and swam to our hearts' content. Afterward, we revisited Positano. We found a pizza place right on the waterfront, and the pizza was simply out of this world! It surpassed anything we had in Rome, Milan, or Naples – so good it made us want to cry! 🥹🥹🥹
Note: Beach chair rentals were quite expensive, so we opted for the free sandy areas. However, as the crowds thinned in the late afternoon, we were able to capture some stunning photos on the luxury loungers without anyone else around.
After a full day of exploring every winding path, it was time to drive back to Naples, feeling a sense of lingering fondness. As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at how people managed to construct such beautiful homes on these sheer cliffs, creating a picturesque mountain landscape. It was a testament to the artistic spirit of Italy. Nature had gifted them a spectacular coastline, and they had certainly made the most of it. 😌😌😌
There's truly nothing negative to say about this incredible country. I am in absolute awe! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘
We arrived back in Naples late at night and stayed over before flying to Belgium for Tomorrowland the next day. Reflecting on our month-long self-guided European adventure across five countries and ten cities – Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France – Positano remains the most deeply cherished part of our journey. 😌
Apologies for the lengthy review, but this experience truly deserved it!
